Dark Circles
What are Dark Circles?
Dark circles under the eyes can be noticeably different from the skin color of the surrounding facial regions, making your child appear tired or ill. According to WebMD, these shadowy hues are the most common in adults but may show in children. Shades can vary from brown to blue and pink to purple, which could have multiple causes.
Causes of dark circles [1]:
Allergic rhinitis
Poor circulation
Asthma
Lack of sleep
Genetics
Dehydration
Nutrient deficiencies
Anemia
Fair skin
Dark Circles & Autism
There is no current research on dark circles and autism specifically, but there can still be a link between the two. Dehydration, poor nutrition, and vitamin deficiency can are causes of dark circles that can be seen in autism [2]. Further, lack of sleep can lead to dark circles in children with autism, and over half of people with autism have problems sleeping [3].
In dehydration, children with autism may be unable to communicate their thirst, especially if they’re young or non-verbal. If your child isn’t drinking enough H2O, the skin under their eyes can thin, exposing blood vessels and appearing darker than usual, according to WebMD.
Aside from sleep trouble and dehydration, nutrient deficiencies may also be a culprit of dark circles. In one study, 50 percent of people with dark circles also had iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency is common in children with autism due to selective eating and low intake of iron-containing foods [4]. Low vitamin B12 could, too, be linked with dark circles, and is another nutrient many children with autism fall short of [5] [6]. According to WebMD, vitamin A deficiency may also cause dark circles, which are abundant vegetables, which can be a tricky food group for children with autism due to their taste, appearance, and texture.
BOTTOM LINE
Dark circles can be a common facial feature for adults, but it could signal a health issue such as dehydration or vitamin deficiency in children. If you see dark circles in your child, consider their eating habits, drinking patterns, and sleep routine and discuss with your medical provider for help.
Next Steps
Diet
Ensure you’re offering your child nutritious foods, including iron, B12, and vitamin A.
Iron sources are red meat, dried fruit, beans, lentils, chia seeds, and nuts.
B12 sources are red meat, cow’s milk, yogurt, fortified cereals, and nutritional yeast.
Vitamin A sources are sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, and cantaloupe.
Help your child maintain healthy hydration with water and high-water foods like watermelon and strawberries.
Here is a breakdown of fluid of your child’s fluid needs according to the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Ages 1-3 years: 4 cups (includes water and milk)
Ages 4-8 years: 5 cups (includes water and milk)
Ages 8+ years: 7-8 cups (includes water and milk)
Supplements
Iron and B12 supplements may help correct anemia, but getting your child’s blood drawn first is critical to confirm actual deficiencies.
Melatonin is shown to be effective in children with autism for better sleep, which may improve dark circles [Esposito 2020].
Lifestyle
Help your child get better shut-eye by keeping a quiet bedroom, having a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding screens and devices before bedtime.
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any supplement or medication, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a good fit for your child. Dosage can vary based on age, weight, gender, and current diet.
Authors
Written by: Gaby McPherson MS, RDN, LDN
Edited & Reviewed by: Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT
